The annual, long running Valley favorite, and part of the National Solar Tour put on by the American Solar Energy Society, is a free, self-guided tour of solar and sustainable buildings offering the public access to a dazzling variety of technologies and strategies for wise energy and resource use and desert appropriate, environmentally responsible living in central Arizona. This year's tour will provide the community with the wonderful opportunity to see and learn from a wide range of buildings, from grid-tied homes to commercial infill projects. Locations will showcase a variety of sustainable building designs, materials, systems and technology, including passive solar, solar PV, solar thermal, rainwater harvesting, graywater reuse, energy efficiency, and the use of materials from conventional to straw bale construction. Discover ways to reduce your utility bills and carbon footprint while having fun touring innovative sustainable homes and buildings as well as learning from local homeowners and building experts.

There will be something for everyone, whether it is low cost, high technology, desert design or simple environmental and behavioral techniques. Enjoy the special treat of meeting the people who created and live in these buildings and who will be sharing their knowledge and experiences. See projects ranging from new construction to remodels - from residences to public buildings - and from simple to complex, including:

An artist's studio of recycled materials including a full scale VW bus;

A passive and active solar and sustainable remodel;

A "Green" and sustainable architect's studio and office;

A solar and sustainable home and garden open house and workshop;

An architect's green and sustainable home designed for the desert; and so much more!

Talks at each site will be scheduled on-the-hour with a noon-time break.

This free, self-guided tour is organized by the Arizona Solar Energy Association - State Chapter of the American Solar Energy Society (the nation's largest and oldest solar and sustainability membership organization); Arizona Solar Center, Inc. - The solar and sustainability non-profit collaborative and home of the state's go-to website for solar and sustainability information; and the City of Scottsdale Green Building Program.